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Kenya’s Devolution Under Review: Scrutiny of County Performance and Calls for Better Resource Management

Kenya’s Devolution Under Review: Scrutiny of County Performance and Calls for Better Resource Management

Introduction

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Devolution, a fundamental part of Kenya’s governance structure, was designed to bring government services closer to the people, reduce regional disparities, and empower local authorities to drive economic and social development. However, as counties across the country undergo increasing scrutiny regarding their performance, concerns over inefficiencies, corruption, and poor resource management are surfacing.

The growing call for better management of public resources, especially in vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, has become a central topic in public debates about the future of devolution. Governance experts, citizens, and political leaders are questioning whether county governments are fulfilling the promises of devolution. This blog explores the challenges faced by county governments, the scrutiny they are under, and the reforms needed to ensure that devolution achieves its full potential for the people of Kenya.

The Promise and Challenges of Devolution

The Original Intent of Devolution

When devolution was introduced under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, it was seen as a revolutionary step towards creating a more inclusive and accountable government. The idea was that by decentralizing power, local governments would have greater control over their resources and be better positioned to address local needs. Services such as education, healthcare, water supply, and infrastructure were intended to be more accessible to the population, particularly in historically marginalized regions.

However, over a decade later, the realization of these promises has been slow. While some counties have seen tangible improvements in service delivery, many others are still grappling with challenges that hinder their ability to effectively govern and serve their constituents. The ongoing review of county performance is an effort to assess whether devolution is meeting its objectives and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Inefficiencies and Mismanagement

One of the major concerns raised about devolution is the inefficiency in how resources are being managed at the county level. Despite the substantial funds allocated to counties by the national government, reports of misuse, corruption, and mismanagement of funds are rampant. These issues have led to significant delays in the completion of development projects, which are critical to improving the quality of life for residents in many counties.

In some instances, county governments have been accused of poor planning, lack of capacity, and failure to prioritize the most pressing issues facing their populations. This has resulted in a failure to address critical challenges such as the shortage of healthcare facilities, poor infrastructure, and high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth.

The Need for Greater Accountability

With rising public expectations for better services and development, citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability from county governments. The failure of some counties to manage their resources effectively and deliver on their promises has eroded public trust in devolution. The public is calling for stronger oversight mechanisms, more strategic planning, and better alignment of county budgets with national development priorities.

Some critics argue that counties must prioritize spending on the most essential services, particularly healthcare and education, while ensuring that funds are used efficiently. Transparency in budget allocations and expenditure, as well as effective public participation in decision-making processes, are key factors in restoring trust in the devolution system.

The Role of Governance and Oversight in Devolution

Strengthening Governance Frameworks

One of the key lessons emerging from the scrutiny of devolution is the need for stronger governance frameworks at the county level. Governance experts emphasize that counties must establish and enforce clear policies, processes, and systems to ensure effective resource management. These frameworks should focus on promoting good governance practices, such as transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures.

The government, through its relevant oversight bodies such as the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General, must continue to ensure that counties adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks. These institutions play a crucial role in auditing county governments’ finances, ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely, and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

Public Participation and Empowerment

Public participation is another critical component of effective governance at the county level. The success of devolution depends not only on the competence of county officials but also on the active involvement of the people they serve. The public must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable and actively participate in the planning, budgeting, and implementation of county projects.

County governments should embrace public forums, town hall meetings, and other participatory mechanisms that allow citizens to provide feedback on service delivery. This participatory approach will help ensure that local governments are in tune with the needs of the people and are making decisions that reflect their priorities.

Calls for Reform: What Needs to Change?

Improved Resource Management and Budgeting

One of the primary concerns voiced by stakeholders is the inefficient management of resources by county governments. Experts argue that counties need to adopt more strategic approaches to budgeting and planning. This includes prioritizing projects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Counties must focus on results-driven governance, where performance is measured by tangible outcomes, not just the allocation of funds.

To achieve this, counties should develop long-term plans that align with national development priorities and incorporate measures for monitoring and evaluating progress. This will ensure that resources are being used effectively and that county governments can be held accountable for the results they deliver.

Reducing Dependence on National Government Transfers

Many counties are heavily reliant on transfers from the national government to fund their budgets. However, these transfers are often insufficient to meet the needs of local governments, leading to challenges in financing critical services. In response, stakeholders are calling for counties to find innovative ways to generate revenue locally. This could involve enhancing the capacity of counties to collect taxes, increase efficiency in revenue collection, and explore new sources of income through partnerships with the private sector.

Increasing local revenue generation would reduce counties’ dependence on national government transfers, giving them greater autonomy and the flexibility to address the unique needs of their populations. This would also allow for a more sustainable model of devolution that is less vulnerable to changes in national fiscal policies.

Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms

Robust oversight mechanisms are essential to ensuring that county governments are held accountable for their actions. This includes both internal oversight within county governments and external oversight by national institutions, civil society organizations, and the media. Citizens and watchdog groups must be empowered to monitor the performance of county governments and report any irregularities.

Public access to information, especially regarding budgets, expenditure, and the progress of development projects, is crucial for ensuring transparency. By strengthening oversight frameworks, counties can ensure that their actions are in line with the expectations of the people they serve.

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